Dave Clark
Anarchist
I figured as much, but the task of messaging sometime presents moments where it seems wise to over-labor a point.
DRC
Fulcrum Speedworks Rocket
- Thread starter Will S
- Start date
DRC
Steve Clark
Super Anarchist
A hint for those who will ask: the Sunfish tuning guide will work on Rocket rigs.
The lateen rig is remarkably adjustable and is fun to play around with.
SHC
The lateen rig is remarkably adjustable and is fun to play around with.
SHC
GRW
New member
Steve, it looks like this group of Rocket sailors would agree. It’s obvious in the above photos that some have tied their rolling hitch much higher on the spar as others keeping the rig closer to the hull and others have positioned the gooseneck further forward etc. All tips one can find in sun fish videos
Dillon Waltner
Member
This has to be said more often and louder. And preferably by the folks out sailing the boats. The lake where I live has a large and active Sunfish fleet who races on Sunday afternoons during the summer, which happens to be when I usually have some time to go sailing. So I spent a lot of time this summer 'spectating' from my Rocket and demonstrating that the Rocket is quicker on every point of sail. I got a LOT of feedback over the course of the summer and even earned the nickname "Rocketman" amongst the racers. I had a particularly interesting conversation with one skipper who couldn't understand why I would choose a boat that I couldn't race despite it being faster. I asked him how often he goes sailing and he predictably responded 'every Sunday.' So I asked him how often he goes sailing just for the fun of it if there isn't a race on, and again he predictably said 'never'. I told him that this is exactly why I bought a Rocket and not a Sunfish.
Will this result in another Rocket or two on the lake next summer? Probably not, but maybe. Because that's how fleets form organically, and a lot of racers forget this because they want everybody to buy the boat THEY race so they still have someone to play with next year. I sail because I like sailing and I hope that when other people see that and ask me questions it'll result in someone deciding to go sailing for the first time. If they choose a Rocket and want to have a race, I'll play. But it doesn't change the reason I go sailing.
martin 'hoff
Super Anarchist
Seems to be that both things are fun.
Bill5
Right now
At our little club, people are either training on mini sausage courses or racing on them. I tried introducing some fun stuff, but limited response. Now I have a cat. Pure fun with 2 regattas per year.
Dave Clark
Anarchist
Heavens to betsy, what's this??!! Another instagram video!
To be clear, this is fast. UFOs are faster. The speed isn't exactly the remarkable thing here.
The fact that on one cheap boat I can do
This
And
That
Out of the same venue with exactly the same gear and depending on condions, on the same day, is pretty sublime.
Builders make too many pigeonhole boats. To thrive, boats need to be versatile.
DRC
To be clear, this is fast. UFOs are faster. The speed isn't exactly the remarkable thing here.
The fact that on one cheap boat I can do
This
And
That
Out of the same venue with exactly the same gear and depending on condions, on the same day, is pretty sublime.
Builders make too many pigeonhole boats. To thrive, boats need to be versatile.
DRC
Great pics . But totally disagree with boats need to be versatile, boats just need to fit the section of the market they are aimed at. Sometimes it’s racing only, sometimes it just messing about . And on the odd occasion boats can cover both .And the end of the day these pics just show a boat doing the same thing , messing about on the water . 😀 Not that I am saying in anyway that you couldn’t have terrific fun racing them too .
Last edited:
Wavedancer II
Anarchist
- 740
- 195
A new (?) world speed record for the Rocket!
Dave Clark
Anarchist
Not even close. I've gone far far faster on flat water. Waves are amusing like moguls or glades in skiing, but they absorb a lot of energy.
DRC
Dave Clark
Anarchist
And lo, there was a shameless ad!
Obviously, this is only spotlighting one feature. All of us know there's a lot more to the Rocket than just the biggest cockpit ever put on a boardboat.
DRC
Obviously, this is only spotlighting one feature. All of us know there's a lot more to the Rocket than just the biggest cockpit ever put on a boardboat.
DRC
Dave Clark
Anarchist
For what it's worth, literally everybody who pointed out why there were no videos was entirely on the money. Happy owners aren't influencers (thankfully!). The manufacturer clubbing together videos is a necessity sometimes and thankfully I can play one-man bad from time to time. My floor crew is doing so well I've finally been able to get out of the shop for a hot second with a drone pilot to shoot film. Putting these things together is in fact a mild pain in the ass. Does need to happen from time to time though.
DRC
Dave Clark
Anarchist
Heads up: Orders have been piling in. We're booked into the late spring of '23 at this point. If you want a Rocket for next summer, it's best to get your order in NOW.
fulcrumspeedworks.com
DRC
Rocket
A huge leap forward for the beloved classic board boat. Teach yourself and your family the joy of sailing. Beginner or expert, the Rocket is for all of us.
fulcrumspeedworks.com
DRC
Great news . Terrific to see a section of the dinghy market doing well , amazing what can be done when the people making dinghys have real love and experience for and in the market/sport .😀Heads up: Orders have been piling in. We're booked into the late spring of '23 at this point. If you want a Rocket for next summer, it's best to get your order in NOW.
Rocket
A huge leap forward for the beloved classic board boat. Teach yourself and your family the joy of sailing. Beginner or expert, the Rocket is for all of us.
DRC
redboat
Super Anarchist
I get the Rocket's simplicity, comfy cockpit, etc, but being an ex Laser sailor I have only that as my reference point.
With no Rocket fleets near me I will be enjoying sailing around with the boat and bee relegated to mixed dinghy fleet "racing". This obviously includes a few Lasers.
What experience do owners of bone stock Rockets have against Lasers? Are they evenly matched or do the lighter weight and improved blade design crush the Laser? I am assuming and hoping they do.
With no Rocket fleets near me I will be enjoying sailing around with the boat and bee relegated to mixed dinghy fleet "racing". This obviously includes a few Lasers.
What experience do owners of bone stock Rockets have against Lasers? Are they evenly matched or do the lighter weight and improved blade design crush the Laser? I am assuming and hoping they do.
Dillon Waltner
Member
Assuming sailors of equal skill a Laser will outpace a Rocket easily. But I don't think that's the question you should be asking. Does the "mixed dinghy fleet racing" in your area use a handicap system, and if so will they let you establish a D-PN for your Rocket? Because if you have a decent handicap fleet, then the differences between boats don't matter. So far as I know, the only Rocket "fleet" in existence is the one posted above in Marion MA. In my area (northern NJ) there are no fleets that are serious about handicap racing. If I wanted to race seriously I have my choice of Sunfish, FJ, Force 5, Rebel, Thistle, Lightning, Hobie or windsurfer racing. That's it, even for Laser sailors, and no one is interested in handicapping new boats. Fortunately, I don't care much about racing (but I do love showing the Sunfish guys how slow they are).
